Audi S5

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Model Overview

The midsize Audi S5 is the automaker’s only true four-seat coupe. Other Audi coupes include the smaller 2+2 Audi TT Coupe and the two-seat Audi R8 mid-engine supercar.

History

The Audi S5 arrived in 2008 as a sportier companion to the base Audi A5 coupe. Power came from a 4.2-liter 32-valve V-8 making 353 hp and 325 lb-ft mated to either a six-speed automatic or six-speed tiptronic automatic. Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard on the A5 coupe. We were impressed with the 2008 Audi S5 in testing where it reached 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and sprinted through the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds at 105.2 mph. Handling numbers were impressive do pulling 0.90 g lateral average on the skidpad.

Criticism was limited: “Is there anything I don’t like? The steering rack has been relocated for better feel, but there’s still not a lot of road feel and kickback is conspicuous. The S5 also has that overboosted assist we’ve noted in other Audis before. BMW still has the lock on wheeling finesse.

“Otherwise, I’m taken with the S5. At roughly $55K, it’s pricey but not stupid-pricey — you’ll feel well-compensated for your investment. Alas, our test car is already gone. And I’m still hungry for more.”

In addition to revised styling, a 2013 refresh replaced the naturally aspirated V-8 with a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 333 hp and 325 lb-ft. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

“The 3.0T engine suits the new S5 coupe as well as it does today’s cabrio. It lacks the V-8’s lusty exhaust burble, but provides a very grown-up, sophisticated brand of power–loads of low-end grunt delivered without much sturm und drang,” we said in our Euro-spec 2013 Audi A5/S5 First Drive. “Abetted by the swift-shifting DSG, this is all the power anyone needs for spirited driving and overtaking on tight roads with short sight lines. Upshifts are attended by a brief brraap as the revs drop, and downshifts get a perfect rev-matching blip.”

The Latest Generation

After a decade on sale, all-new Audi A5 and Audi S5 coupes hit the streets for the 2018 model year. Although the styling is an evolution of the current model, the new car is larger than before. Power comes from a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 349 hp and . The engine is backed by an eight-speed auto. Inside, the automaker’s new virtual cockpit and latest MMI infotainment system are available.

“The premium sport coupe category has never been about all-out speed. The A5 and S5 can melt away miles on the autobahn, tear up a twisty road and even transport the family on occasion,” we said in our 2018 Audi A5/S5 First Drive. “More to the point, however, they are personal cars designed to be enjoyable for the driver everyday on every road. Cars like the 2018 A5 and 2018 S5 don’t make you wait for the weekend drive or track day to be entertained behind the wheel; it’s about the entire experience every day.”